Singapore

Practical Info about Singapore

Getting around the city

Hiring a car is very expensive in Singapore. However, an extensive bus network and the reliable MRT train subway system are both cheap and user-friendly and service all parts of Singapore. Electronic ez-link passes cover trains and buses and prevent the need to carry loose change for fares as well as giving a slight discount on standard ticket prices. The city also has thousands of metered taxis, which are safe, air-conditioned and surprisingly affordable, driven by helpful and honest drivers. The only drawback is the long taxi queues during rush hour. Many of the tourist attractions are situated close together and walking is a safe and pleasant option if you can handle the heat.

Time

GMT +8.

Electricity

Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Three-pin, square-shaped plugs are in use.

Currency

Singapore's currency is the Singapore Dollar (SGD), which is divided into 100 cents. The US and Australian Dollars, Yen and British Pound are also accepted in the larger shopping centres. Major credit cards are accepted in hotels, shops and restaurants. ATMs are widely distributed and banks advance cash against the major credit cards. Banks are open daily, but some do not do foreign exchange on Saturdays.

Communication

The international access code for Singapore is +65. Public phones are good for local and international calls; they take credit cards or phonecards, which can be bought at newspaper kiosks and Telecom shops. Calls made from hotels are free of any surcharges. Several local mobile phone operators use GSM 900/1800 networks. There are internet cafes throughout Singapore.

Climate

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Singapore has a tropical climate, meaning that it is hot and humid all year round with hardly any variation in temperature between seasons and plenty of rain, which is possible all year round, usually falling in heavy downpours. The wettest months are between November and January. There is generally more rain in the west of the island than in the east. Average temperatures range between 79°F (26°C) and 86°F (30°C) during the day with cooler temperatures at night. Humidity is constantly high, usually above 75 percent. April and May are the hottest months. The air-conditioning in most buildings provides a welcome escape from the heat and humidity, but is sometimes so cool that visitors will require light sweaters indoors. Between June and September Singapore may suffer from air pollution due to forest fires in Indonesia. There isn't really an agreed upon best time to visit Singapore, although the weather is often at its most pleasant between June and August.

Singapore Changi Airport

Getting to the city

The MRT train departs from Changi Airport MRT Station, located under Terminals 2 and 3. Trains depart from 5:30am to midnight, cost about S$3, and take around 27 minutes. A public bus service to the city has regular departures from 6am to midnight, and can be found in the lower levels of each terminal. The one-hour journey costs about S$2. In addition, there is an airport shuttle service connecting the airport, the city centre and most hotels in Singapore; the buses leave when all six seats have been filled, or every 15- 30 minutes. The cost is about S$9 per adult, S$6 per child.

Car rental

Avis, Budget and Hertz are all represented at the airport.

Airport taxi's

Taxis to Singapore central are available from outside the arrivals halls of both terminals; the fare to the city centre is about S$25 with a travel time of around 25 minutes. Bookings can be made at the airport shuttle counters; the MaxiCab driver is paid directly.

Transfer between terminals

A free Skytrain runs between the three terminals.

Facilities

Changi Airport has a wide range of facilities, including ATMs, bureaux de change, business services, airline lounges/travel clubs, duty-free shops, childcare facilities and multimedia payphones for Internet and e-mails. Other facilities include a mini-supermarket, snack bars and restaurants, a putting green, gym, rooftop pool, hairdresser, laundry service, karaoke lounge, Science Discovery Centre, smoking room, prayer room and post office. The new Terminal 3 is a 'green' terminal with natural skylighting, a butterfly garden, koi ponds and over 200 species of foliage.

Parking

Standard parking rates at Changi Airport range from S$0.04 per minute, which is capped at a daily rate of S$20.

Internet

Free wifi is available throughout Changi. Passengers wanting faster wifi can register for Starhub's premium service for a fee.